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Close the Gap

Close the Gap: dentistry

MJA 2009; 190 (10): 573

Enhancement of public dental services will improve dental care to the most disadvantaged

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher levels of dental disease, including more untreated tooth decay and gum disease, than other Australians. Those who do receive treatment have fewer preventive appointments and many more extractions. The impact on general health of dental disease is significant. When inadequately treated, dental diseases can result in higher rates of malnutrition, low birthweight, preterm births and cardiovascular disease. Many Indigenous Australians have insufficient teeth to eat nourishing foods.

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©The Medical Journal of Australia 2009 www.mja.com.au PRINT ISSN: 0025-729X ONLINE ISSN: 1326-5377